Where to Stay in Martinique: Best Areas, Hotels & Vacation Rentals

Our first trip to Martinique was one of the most difficult vacations I’ve ever planned. Not many tourists visit the island, and the majority of the ones who do are French. So, there was very little travel information written in English.

One of the biggest questions I had to answer was where to stay in Martinique. So, I did what I do and I researched. Google Translate became my best friend and together we figured it out.

After visiting Martinique twice and staying in different places each time, we learned which areas give you that authentic Caribbean vibe, which ones put you close to hiking and adventure, which ones to choose for a relaxing week on the beach, and honestly, the one area we’d avoid when booking.

Here’s everything we know about where to stay in Martinique and how to choose the area that’s best for your trip.

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Should You Book a Hotel or Vacation Rental in Martinique?

Some areas of Martinique have very few hotels and others have a good mix of both hotels and vacation rentals. So, it’s important to know what type of accommodation you want before picking the area of Martinique to make your base.

You won’t find Marriotts, Westins, or other American hotel chains on Martinique. What you’ll find instead are locally owned boutique hotels, self-catering villas, and vacation rentals.

If you’ve read my other Martinique guides, you know that when I planned our first trip, there was very little information about the island in English. Martinique is a French island. Even all of the hotel reviews were in French and German. Thank heavens for Google Translate!

Unlike visiting Paris or Normandy where many people speak some English, most Martinique locals speak only French or a French Creole dialect. So, while we were excited about immersing ourselves in the culture, I knew we might need some help navigating the island.

We picked a small locally owned hotel in Sainte-Luce and that turned out to be a great decision. Not only was the hotel clean, comfortable and located on a great beach, but the front desk booked restaurant reservations for us and helped us plan our week.

Without their advice to leave before sunrise to see Mt Pelée on the north end of the island, we would have been sitting in Fort de France traffic for hours.

She also booked our day on the Ballades du Delphis catamaran which turned out to be our favorite day of the entire trip. She warned us that we would be exhausted at the end of the day and advised us to pick up take out from a local restaurant. She was right and we did.

Having a staff to make reservations, give us tips, and book activities turned out to be priceless.

Read our full review of the hotel we booked, Les Cayalines Résidence hôtelière.

If you’re new to Martinique, or if reading through this guide hasn’t quite made you feel ready to go fully independent, book a hotel. You’ll have a full staff of locals ready to help you.

On our second trip, we had graduated from tourists to tour guides. We brought my parents to Martinique to show them why we loved it so much. We already knew the island. We knew where to go, how to get there, and what to expect.

We rented a four bedroom vacation rental with a private pool in the tourist area of Les Trois-Ilet. Our favorite feature of the house was that the entire back was a giant garage door that opened to the patio for an indoor / outdoor living area. That’s something you can’t get in a hotel.

Honestly with today’s technology like instant translation apps, it would be much easier to navigate the island with little to no French. Although I do recommend learning a few basic phrases. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a vacation rental in Martinique to a first time visitor.

If you have a larger group and want room to spread out. Or, if you prefer privacy and convenience of a home with a kitchen, laundry and a pool, I’d opt for a vacation rental.

And, I hope that this guide, along with my other articles about Martinique will give you the knowledge and confidence to choose whatever type of accommodation suits your travel style.

All-Inclusive Resorts in Martinique: What You Need to Know

As I’ve mentioned, Martinique has not sold its soul for the almighty tourism dollar. Large resorts are not the norm here. In fact, there are only two all-inclusive options on Martinique and both on the southern end of the island.

Club Med Les Boucaniers in Sainte-Anne is a full all-inclusive with meals, unlimited drinks, and over 20 activities included. If a traditional all-inclusive is what you want, this is the one.

Pierre & Vacances in Sainte-Luce is a beachfront resort with apartment-style units with kitchenettes, a large pool, beach access, and restaurants on site.

But – and this is a big but – the base rate only includes your room. For a seven night stay, housekeeping will cost you an additional $130 per person. The meal package includes a buffet breakfast and 3 course dinner daily and will run you an additional $300 – $400 per person. Drinks are an additional charge.

Places to Stay in Martinique: Which Area Is Right for You?

The area you choose is essentially choosing what your trip looks like. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find your fit before you start booking.

Fort de France: Best for Cruise Port & Airport Access

In all my research for our first trip to Martinique (and trust me, I did a lot), I only found one person who didn’t like Martinique. One. Uno. She was a blogger who stopped here on a cruise and never left the city of Fort de France.

And, honestly if this city was my only impression of the island, I probably wouldn’t have liked it either.

Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique and the commercial center of the island. It’s crowded. It’s busy. And it’s loud. The cruise port is here, so on any given day the city can be flooded with an additional 3000 – 8000 tourists.

On the positive side, hotels here are more affordable than in some of the other areas and you’ll find plenty of restaurants in Fort de France. There’s also a small city beach, Plage la Française. But, it has no amenities and it’s close to the cruise port so the water isn’t usually that beautiful Caribbean blue you may be expecting.

There are several things to do in Fort de France, so you should definitely spend a day here. But I recommend staying elsewhere on the island unless you need easy access to the cruise port or airport.

Also, traffic in this area is a nightmare, so whether you are staying in Fort de France or not, you’ll want to avoid it at rush hour.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Fort-de-France

Hotels in Fort de France are typically more suited for business travelers than leisure travelers, although you will find some vacation rentals. These are my picks for where to stay in Fort de France, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• Simon Hotel | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ | 8.4 rating – Located in the heart of the city, walking distance to the markets, La Savane park, and the waterfront.
• Résidence Fort Savane | $$ | 8.2 rating – An apartment-style residence near the Schoelcher Library with kitchen facilities and a garden.
• Apolline | $$$ | 8.6 rating – A boutique guesthouse in the Didier neighborhood above Fort-de-France, set in a tropical park with panoramic views over the bay. Six suites with tropical art deco design, an infinity pool, and breakfast included.
• B&B Hotel Fort-de-France | $$ | 8.0 rating – A budget-friendly option with a pool and easy access to the airport. No frills, but good ratings and reliable.

Les Trois Ilets: Best for First Time Visitors

Les Trois-Ilets is the closest Martinique gets to a traditional Caribbean tourist hub and a great option for first-time visitors. There are more hotels and vacation rentals here than anywhere else on the island.

You’ll also find the most restaurants, the most tour operators, a casino, and the only 18-hole golf course on Martinique. If you want options, this is where you find them.

Village Créole is the shopping and dining hub of Les Trois-Ilets. It’s a lively central square lined with boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It’s the most touristy spot on the island, but in the best possible way. It’s fun, walkable, and full of people having a good time. Not a party scene. Just a good night out.

Pointe du Bout is where the action on the water happens. The marina is lined with sailboats, waterfront restaurants, and tour operators running catamaran and water sports excursions. The Fort-de-France ferry departs from here too, a 20-minute crossing that beats driving into the city every time.

The Coco Bar at Hotel Bakoua sits on stilts above the water and is one of the most well-known sunset spots on the island. The beach at the tip of the point has calm, turquoise water and views across to Fort-de-France and the Pitons du Carbet.

If you want the most options and the easiest base on the island, this is your best area to stay in Martinique.

Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Les Trois-Ilets

These are my picks for where to stay in Les Trois-Ilet, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• Hotel Bakoua | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 7.8 rating – A colonial-era beachfront property with tropical gardens, an infinity pool, and views of the bay and mountain peaks beyond it. The closest thing to a classic resort experience in Les Trois-Ilets, and consistently one of the most recommended properties on the island.
• La Suite Villa | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.6 rating – A well-reviewed boutique property with pool, restaurant, and air conditioned rooms overlooking the bay.
• Hôtel Bambou & Spa | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |8.6 rating – Lush tropical gardens, a beach location, and walkable to restaurants and shops. A solid mid-range option that gets consistently strong reviews for its setting and value.
• Carayou Hotel & Spa | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 7.4 rating – A spa property for travelers who want relaxation
• Hotel La Pagerie | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.8 rating – A landmark property that has been part of the Martinique tourism scene for over 40 years, close to the marina, Village Créole, and beaches. Recently renovated with 97 air conditioned rooms and a tropical garden pool.
• Our AirBnB | $$$$ | 10 rating – Four bedrooms, plunge pool, glass walls opening to the patio, elevated views over the bay.
• Magnificent View Apartment | $$$ | 10 rating – A three-bedroom, apartment that sleeps up to 7, with a large terrace, mezzanine relaxation area, fully equipped kitchen, and direct pedestrian access to the sea. Hosts Sandrine and Fabien are on site and offer concierge services.
• Character House Overlooking the Golf Course | $$$$ | 9.4 rating – A four-bedroom hillside villa sleeping up to 8, with panoramic views over the bay of Les Trois-Ilets and the golf course. Pool, large wood terrace, gazebo, and open-plan living that flows between indoors and out. Beaches are ten minute walk, and the golf course is five.

➡ READ NEXT: Les Cayalines Résidence Hôtelière: An Honest Review ⬅

Southern Coast of Martinique: Best For Resort Vibes + Beach Lovers

If you’re picturing the kind of Caribbean vacation where you spend the day on the beach and walk to dinner at sunset, the southern coast is your area. I’m talking gorgeous white sand beaches, quaint fishing villages, and turquoise blue Caribbean water.

Plage des Salines in Sainte-Anne has been named one of the. most beautiful beaches in the world and we agreed! Les Anses d’Arlet is an adorable fishing village with one of the most photographed churches in Martinique sitting right at the water’s edge. And, Le Diamant has beautiful views of Diamond Rock.

We have a full beaches guide coming soon that covers all the beaches in Martinique.

The southern coast of Martinique is also where you’ll find both of the all-inclusive resorts. Club Med Les Boucaniers in Sainte-Anne and Pierre & Vacances in Sainte-Luce are covered in detail above.

If you want classic Caribbean beaches and the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the island, this is your area.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Sainte-Luce

These are my picks for where to stay in Sainte-Luce, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• Les Cayalines | $$ | ⭐️⭐️ | 8.8 rating – The self-catering residence where we stayed on our first trip. Small, local, full kitchen on the balcony. Not luxury, but full of character and close to Gros Raisin beach. Read my full review of Les Cayalines.
• Karibea Sainte-Luce Hotel | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 7.6 rating – Pool, restaurant, kitchen facilities, and good views of Diamond Rock. Consistently well-reviewed.
• Hôtel Spa Iloma | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ | 8.8 rating – A 4-star property with 34 rooms, infinity pool, and Caribbean Sea views. The most polished hotel option in Sainte-Luce.
• Pierre & Vacances | $$$ | ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ | 8.0 rating – The (semi) all-inclusive resort option for travelers who want everything on property.
• Creole Villa on the Beach | $$$ | 10 rating – A four-bedroom Creole villa sleeping up to 9, directly on the beach in Sainte-Luce with a private saltwater pool, deck, and a house manager who greets you with a welcome punch on arrival. Linen and towels provided. Three beaches within a short walk.
• Villa Filao | $$$ | 10 rating – A four-bedroom villa in Sainte-Luce sleeping up to 8, with a private pool, garden, fully equipped kitchen, and walking distance to both the beach and town.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Sainte-Anne

These are my picks for where to stay in Sainte-Anne, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• Club Med Les Boucaniers | $$$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ | 9.4 rating – The all-inclusive option at the southeastern tip of the island. Full amenities, beach access, and nightly entertainment.
• Villa le Latanier | $$$ | 9.6 rating – A three-bedroom villa sleeping up to 8, with air conditioning, a garden terrace, equipped kitchen, barbecue, and close beach access.
• Villa Madinina | $$$ | 9.4 rating – A three-bedroom villa in Sainte-Anne sleeping up to 6, three minutes from the beach and close to village center. Private pool, fully equipped kitchen, enclosed garden, and air conditioning throughout. Pets welcome.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Le Diamant

These are my picks for where to stay in Le Diamant, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• Diamant Les Bains | $$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ | 8.8 rating – A small, casual property in Le Diamant with easy beach access and Diamond Rock views.
• Villa La Régence | $$$$ | 9.8 rating – A five-bedroom beachfront villa in Le Diamant sleeping up to 13, with direct sea access, a pool with Diamond Rock views, and Creole-meets-modern design throughout.
• Villa Mitan Bleu | $$$ | 9.8 rating – A three-bedroom villa in Le Diamant sleeping up to 7, with 180-degree sea views and a direct sightline to Diamond Rock. Beach and shops are 200 meters away on foot. Garden, terrace, fully equipped kitchen, and natural ventilation throughout. Rated 9.8

Eastern Coast of Martinique: Best for Adventure & Water Sports

If your idea of a great day involves getting on the water, hiking through a nature reserve, or spending an afternoon at a rum distillery, the eastern coast is where you want to be.

This is the Atlantic side of the island where it’s wilder, less touristy, and nothing like the calm Caribbean beaches of the south. The landscape is dramatic. You won’t find resorts here. What you will find is some of the most spectacular scenery on the island.

The Presqu’île de la Caravelle, the Balades des Delphis catamaran to Joséphine’s Bath, and two of the most celebrated distilleries on the island, Habitation Clément and St. James, are all here. You could easily fill three or four days and never run out of things to do.

If you want beaches, stay in the south. If you want adventure, come east.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Le François & Le Robert

These are my picks for where to stay in Le François and Le Robert, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• La Maison de l’Îlet Oscar | $$$$ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ | 9 rating – A four-room boutique guesthouse on its own private island in the Bay of Le François, a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland. Colonial-style rooms, private dock, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and fresh seafood.
• Villa Cap Est | $$$$ | 9.8 rating – A four-bedroom villa in Le Diamant sleeping up to 8, with a private pool, jacuzzi, large garden, and garage parking.
• Villa with Views of the Sea and Islets | $$$$ | 9.8 rating – A five-bedroom colonial-style villa sleeping up to 10, on a point with 180-degree views over the François islets and white sand backgrounds. Private jetty, pool, large terrace facing the sea, and walking access to the beach. Welcome appetizers and breakfast included.

Northern Martinique: Best for History, Hiking & Rum

The further north you go on Martinique, the more dramatic it gets. Dense rainforest, black sand beaches, and Mount Pelée sitting over all of it. It is gorgeous.

This is the most private and least touristy corner of the island. Hotel options are limited and you’re mostly looking at vacation rentals here. But if dramatic landscape, volcanic history, and rum distilleries are what you’re after, the north delivers all of it.

Saint-Pierre was the capital of Martinique until Mount Pelée erupted in 1902 and destroyed the entire city. The ruins are still there, and the Memorial of the 1902 Catastrophe, a museum dedicated to the eruption, tells the full story. It’s worth your time.

The Depaz and Habitation Céron distilleries are both here, with Rhum JM up in Macouba rounding out one of the best distillery stretches on the island. Mount Pelée has great hiking with guided and non-guided options. Yes, it’s an active volcano. It’s closely monitored. Don’t let that stop you.

If you want the most dramatic and least touristy corner of the island, this is it.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Saint-Pierre & Northern Martinique

These are my picks for where to stay in Le François and Le Robert, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• L’Hacienda | $$ | 9.2 rating – A small property in Saint-Pierre with a saltwater pool, sea views, and a bar. One of the few actual hotels in the north and a well-located base for exploring the ruins and the coast.
• Villa Homerez Saint-Pierre | $$$ | 9.8 rating – A two-bedroom villa in Saint-Pierre sleeping up to 6, with a private pool, jacuzzi, sea and mountain views, and total privacy — no neighbors. Beach minutes away. Linens, towels, and end-of-stay cleaning all included.
• Villa Vaïana | $$$$ | 10 rating – A five-bedroom villa in northern Martinique sleeping up to 12, with a pool, hot tub, air conditioning throughout, barbecue, and fully equipped kitchen.

➡ READ NEXT: Martinique Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip ⬅

Western Coast of Martinique: Best for Authentic Local Life

The western coast gives you quaint fishing villages, black sand beaches, and the calm Caribbean Sea with very few tourists in sight.

Le Carbet is one of the most popular fishing villages on the island. It’s where Christopher Columbus landed in Martinique in 1502 and where Paul Gauguin came to paint, drawn by the same light and landscape that makes this coast so compelling.

Rhum Neisson, one of the most respected distilleries on the island, is right here. So is Le Petibonum, the legendary beach restaurant run by chef Guy Ferdinand. You’ll recognize him by the shorts.

Vacation rentals are your primary option here. The one hotel, MadiCreoles, is run by the same team behind Le Petibonum. Guests get a welcome cocktail next door on arrival. Not a bad way to start a stay if you ask me.

If you want beautiful beaches, great food, and a stretch of coastline that still feels like Martinique rather than a place built for tourists, this is your area.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Le Carbet

These are my picks for where to stay in Le François and Le Robert, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• MadiCreoles | $$ | 8.6 rating – A 22-room boutique hotel on the volcanic beach of Anse Latouche, run by the team behind Le Petibonum. Apartment-style rooms, infinity pool, sea views, and Le Petibonum as your personal beach club.
• Villa Du Petit Paradis | $$$ | 9.6 rating – A three-bedroom villa in Le Carbet sleeping up to 6, with Caribbean Sea views, a large terrace, pool, jacuzzi, and garage parking. Air conditioned throughout and pet-friendly
• The Frangipanier | $$$ | 9.8 rating – A four-bedroom villa in Le Carbet sleeping up to 8, with a pool, large veranda, garden, and views of Mount Pelée and the Pitons du Carbet. Two en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, one upstairs, and a large living room that opens onto the veranda.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals in Case-Pilote & Schoelcher

These are my picks for where to stay in Le François and Le Robert, Martinique. But you can explore all the places to stay here.

• Villa Aqua | $$$$ | 9.8 rating – A three-bedroom Creole villa in Case-Pilote sleeping up to 7, with 180-degree views over Fort-de-France bay, Les Trois-Ilets, and the northern Caribbean. Pool, outdoor lounge, garden, air conditioning, and onsite parking.
• Villa Caraïbe | $$$ | 10 rating – A three-bedroom villa in Case-Pilote sleeping up to 6, with Caribbean Sea views over Fort-de-France bay, a saltwater pool, jacuzzi, tropical garden, and BBQ.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Martinique

Planning Your Trip to Martinique

This is just the beginning. Where you stay sets the foundation, but there’s a lot more to plan before you go.

Start with our complete guide — Is Martinique Worth Visiting? — if you’re still in the research phase or want the full picture of what this island is before you book anything.

Once you know where you’re sleeping, The Best Restaurants in Martinique will help you figure out where you’re eating. And if you want to know what to actually do while you’re there, Things to Do in Martinique covers the full menu.

Already booked a Les Cayalines stay? Read our full review here.

Looking for guided experiences? The 9 Best Martinique Tours covers the ones worth your time.

More posts coming soon: best beaches, rum distilleries, and a complete guide for cruise passengers. Martinique has a lot to say and we’re just getting started telling you all about our favorite Caribbean island.